President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved P95 million in immediate assistance for the recovery of several Negros Occidental towns severely affected by the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced late Tuesday.
The allocation was disclosed by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who, alongside Education Secretary Sonny Angara, was in the province to represent the President, conduct an on-the-ground damage assessment, and oversee relief operations.
The presidential assistance fund, totaling P95 million, will be channeled directly through local government units to support comprehensive rehabilitation efforts across the typhoon-stricken region. The largest portion of the aid, P50 million, was allocated to the Province of Negros Occidental. Further breakdown of the funds shows that La Carlota City, the municipality of La Castellana, and the municipality of Moises Padilla were each granted P10 million. Meanwhile, Binalbagan, Isabela, and Hinigaran were each allocated P5 million to aid in their recovery.
During a ceremonial distribution in La Carlota City, Secretary Frasco assured residents of continued government support. “The national government is here, together with your local government… all government agencies are here to help you until the time that you are able to rise again,” she stated.
The Cabinet officials facilitated the distribution of family food packs, family kits, and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Each affected locality also received medical supplies from the Department of Health (DOH), jerrycans, and 25 shelter-grade tarpaulins.
Furthermore, the secretaries inspected hard-hit infrastructure, including the collapsed Buhangin River “Wipe-Out Bridge” in La Castellana, and assessed damage at sites such as Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. National High School, which was inundated by ceiling-high floodwaters. The national government is also coordinating with local officials on the repair status of the Biao spillway in Binalbagan, a critical access road.